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Early life and education

He studied at PAF College, Lahore where he completed his F.Sc (Pre-engineering) with the class of 2001. He has represented his college cricket team and represented his college in various other cities as well. He won his first singing competition on Independence Day celebrations in the college. He then went to the University of Central Punjab and completed his Bachelors in Computer Science. [4]

Once when a singing competition was going on in his college, his friends suggested him to take part in it, as he was having his own style of singing. He then presented "DOOR SE KOI AAYE" (song of pakistani band STRINGS) in his unique style and thus he got first prize in singing. After that he took singing seriously and this inspired him into singing. And now he become one of the finest musicians of the world.

Jal

He used to sing at the college canteen when his friends urged him to participate in the singing competition on Independence Day celebrations at PAF College Lahore in 1998. He performed there and won the competition. Thereafter, he also won several other college competitions.

He met Goher- a guitarist who became his future Jal band-mate, at his college. Together they practiced and started doing mini-concerts for their friends. Atif used to perform on the songs of Junoon and Strings at these concerts. They started performing in their college, McDonalds, Uncle Bubba's Rabba Dabba and other restaurants. Thus began the original line up of Jal.

Jal recorded their first song Aadat at Mekal Hassan's Studio. The song became popular on different musical websites in Pakistan and was also aired on major radio stations of Pakistan like City FM 89, FM 100, Mast FM 103, FM 105 etc. The video for this song was released onARY Digital and The Musik and then it was played on almost all the channels.

After leaving Jal due to personal differences, Atif released his first solo album, Jal Pari on 19 July 2004, under Sound Master and IC records. Its promoters declared it to be the best-selling album of that year within just 5 months of its release.[5] Besides his native country, he also became popular in India and his career took off to fame in both the countries. In the meantime he also cleared his Bachelors in Computer Science (Hons.) from the University of Central Punjab. His second album, Doorie was released on 22 December 2006.

His first major concert was at Al Hamra Hall, Mall Road Lahore where he performed during the break of a stage drama Moulin Rouge. On 14 April 2007, Atif performed in Royal Albert Hall. His first international concert was at W. StarDreamz Entertainment Group during his tour of USA and Canada with RDB and Annie.

Atif also mentioned in a press conference held in Karachi that he will be working on an international project titled The Dreamer Awakes, alongside members of American rock band Guns n' Roses. The song will be released in Summer 2011.

Aslam has began work on his fourth album. There were rumors circulating online that it is titled Shabnam. This was rubbished off by Atif. “Right now, my entire focus is on this project (The Dreamer Awakes). I may be singing with Chris Martin or John Mayer… we’re trying to bring a lot of people together.”[6]

Atif's three songs featured in the Hollywood film Man Push Cart.[8]Aadat, Ehsaas and Yakeen are the three tracks. These songs are taken from his debut album Jal Pari. Atif is the 3rd Pakistani singer after Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Strings to be featured in any Hollywood movie.[9]

Atif made his acting debut in the second film of well acclaimed Pakistani director Shoaib Mansoor. The film titled Bol was released in June 2011. The film also stars Pakistani TV anchor Mahira Khan. Atif plays a supporting role of a doctor in the film.[10]

After the release of the song Aadat by Jal, there were disputes within the band about Atif's brother being the band's manager. At this point Atif broke off from the band to do his own solo album. His solo album was released a few weeks before the release of the Jal's album Aadat. As both the albums shared certain tracks such as Aadat, Woh Lamhein, Rangon Mein and Dil Harey, an unofficial war over rights began between both the groups. Goher Mumtaz sued Atif Aslam for using the name Jal in his album title cunningly Jal Pari.